The Panthers would take the ensuing possession 99 yards for a game-tying Ra-kheem Hoyt five-yard touchdown run.

Newberry controlled the football throughout the third quarter, allowing just three offensive plays for senior Union County quarterback Chandler Mann, who played most of the game after missing two weeks with an injury.

With a tied game in the third quarter, Baker gambled with a fake punt near mid-field. Punter Alex Wilkens found Devonte Flagg for a 15-yard first-down completion and senior quarterback Brandon Herbert finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Flagg.

“I thought we had it and I'm glad I guessed right,” Baker said. “That could have been a big momentum changer.”

After another Hoyt score, the Tigers began their fourth quarter rally.

Prince Alexander capped off a quick 33-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown. He led the Tigers with 14 carries and 80 yards rushing.

After a Panthers punt, the Tigers got the ball with 4:38 remaining deep in their own territory, but couldn't make the incredible happen.

Hoyt led Newberry with 23 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Herbert threw for 53 yards and a touchdown in the win.

The No. 5 Panthers (9-3) will host No. 1 Trenton (12-0) next Friday in the state semifinals.

<p>LAKE BUTLER — The start of Friday's Class 1A regional final looked like most Friday nights at Union County, with the Tigers taking an early lead.</p><p>The rest of the game, however, did not follow the script.</p><p>No. 5 Newberry's second trip to Lake Butler in two weeks culminated in an emotional 18-13 Panthers victory.</p><p>No. 2 Union County (11-1) capitalized on a Panthers' muffed punt with a 13-yard Caleb Cox touchdown pass to Daquin Edwards for a 6-0 lead early in the first quarter.</p><p>With the momentum, the Tigers forced a quick punt and marched 71 yards to the Newberry goal line.</p><p>Fourth-down plays would prove to be the difference in the ball game, as the Panthers defense stuffed the Tigers at the one-yard-line.</p><p>“Huge,” said Newberry coach Chris Baker. “I'm so proud of our defense.”</p><p>The Panthers would take the ensuing possession 99 yards for a game-tying Ra-kheem Hoyt five-yard touchdown run.</p><p>Newberry controlled the football throughout the third quarter, allowing just three offensive plays for senior Union County quarterback Chandler Mann, who played most of the game after missing two weeks with an injury.</p><p>With a tied game in the third quarter, Baker gambled with a fake punt near mid-field. Punter Alex Wilkens found Devonte Flagg for a 15-yard first-down completion and senior quarterback Brandon Herbert finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Flagg.</p><p>“I thought we had it and I'm glad I guessed right,” Baker said. “That could have been a big momentum changer.”</p><p>After another Hoyt score, the Tigers began their fourth quarter rally.</p><p>Prince Alexander capped off a quick 33-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown. He led the Tigers with 14 carries and 80 yards rushing.</p><p>After a Panthers punt, the Tigers got the ball with 4:38 remaining deep in their own territory, but couldn't make the incredible happen.</p><p>Hoyt led Newberry with 23 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Herbert threw for 53 yards and a touchdown in the win.</p><p>The No. 5 Panthers (9-3) will host No. 1 Trenton (12-0) next Friday in the state semifinals.</p>